Super League Kerala 2024: Calicut FC overcome Kannur Warriors challenge

Super League Kerala gets interesting day by day.

Match number 29 of the Super League Kerala witnessed a showdown between Kannur Warriors FC and Calicut FC at EMS Corporation Stadium, where both teams share their home turf.

This match was Kannur’s home game and carried heightened significance as it determined the league’s table-topper. Fans packed the stadium, eager to see the intense rivalry play out on their shared ground.

MATCH REPORT

With stakes high, both Kannur Warriors and Calicut FC made strategic changes to their starting lineups, notably swapping out their first-choice goalkeepers. In a twist, Calicut FC’s head coach Ian Andrew Gillan was suspended, leaving assistant manager Biby Thomas to guide the team.

The match started cautiously, with both sides assessing each other’s tactics. Kannur, determined to clinch three points in their last home game, set out with an aggressive formation.

Manager Muriaz deployed Asier Gomes and David Grande up front to mount pressure on Calicut’s defensive line, guarded by Hakku and Richard.

The game’s first breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Calicut defender Manoj fouled Grande in the box, awarding Kannur a penalty. Grande stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, giving Kannur a 1-0 lead.

Despite the setback, Calicut quickly shifted gears to equalize, spearheaded by their new Brazilian forward, John Kennedy. However, Kannur’s goalkeeper Bilal Khan produced a series of brilliant saves, frustrating Calicut’s attempts.

As the first half drew to a close, Calicut’s persistence paid off. In extra time, Richard rose above the Kannur defense to score a crucial header, leveling the game 1-1.

Following a first half that ended 1-1, both teams made tactical changes, hoping to secure a decisive victory. Kannur continued their high-pressing approach, keeping Calicut FC under sustained pressure and dominating possession. Calicut struggled to find their rhythm initially but gradually regained their composure in the last ten minutes of the game.

In the 81st minute, Calicut’s star forward John Kennedy seized the opportunity with a perfectly timed header, giving Calicut a 2-1 lead. Refusing to rest on their advantage, Calicut pressed on with relentless intensity, aiming to put the result beyond doubt. Their persistence paid off in extra time when a swift counterattack allowed defender Muhammed Riyas to find the net, sealing a 3-1 victory for Calicut.

With this crucial win, Calicut FC concluded their league campaign in first place, finishing with 19 points and solidifying their position as the table-toppers.

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